Work

Clinical and Symptom Profiles of Long-COVID Patients in Italy: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Long COVID is a multisystemic condition persisting beyond the acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Data on young, community-dwelling adults in Italy remain limited. To describe the sociodemographic, clinical, and symptom profiles of Long-COVID patients in an Italian cohort. Methods: Cross-sectional survey (February–April 2025) on 250 adults with prior COVID-19. A validated 24-item questionnaire was administered. Descriptive statistics, 95% confidence intervals (CIs), Hedges’ g effect sizes, and exploratory subgroup analyses (sex, age ≤ 30 vs. >30) were performed. Results: Participants were 63.6% female, 56% ≤ 30 years, 4.4% with comorbidities. Acute symptoms included muscle/joint pain (2.79 ± 1.31), weakness (2.77 ± 1.28), and tiredness (2.76 ± 1.31). Persistent symptoms were excessive tiredness (2.36 ± 1.27), weakness (2.25 ± 1.29), and muscle/joint pain (2.25 ± 1.25). Acute → persistent changes were significant (p < 0.01, paired t-test) with effect sizes g = 0.31–0.42. Women reported higher persistent fatigue (mean diff = 0.40, 95% CI 0.01–0.78, p = 0.04). Conclusions: Even among young adults without comorbidities, Long COVID imposes a relevant burden. Findings highlight the need for multidisciplinary pathways, nursing-led follow-up, and targeted self-management education.

Source: Healthcare

DOI: 10.3390/healthcare13212706